After a successful run of Game of Tiaras, the HHS Theatre Company plans to keep it “Positive” with their winter musical, Legally Blonde. Based on the hit movie, the musical follows Elle Woods’ journey to and through Harvard Law School, and how she finds her strength when others try to put her down. With opportunities for singing, dancing, acting, and musicality, HHS’s performers get their chance to shine. 

Assistant directed by sophomore Mai An Le and student produced by senior Sinara Sood, student leadership is vital to the success of the program. With the students in control, they learn valuable lessons in management and professionalism. 

“Being part of the HHS Theatre program offers a unique community of people who understand you,” sophomore assistant stage manager Nadia Siwiec said. “We are all a team… Putting together all the behind the scenes work to build an amazing show is an incomparable accomplishment.” 

Throughout the hard work and long hours that have gone into this production, the students excitedly anticipate their opening night. The cast, crew, and pit agree that there’s no better feeling than sharing their efforts with the community. Ellie Beder, a senior who plays Paulette Bonafonté, boasts about the company.

“We have grown our program tenfold thanks to both our members and our leaders,” Beder said. “I cannot imagine this show or this program without them.”

The production company has taken big steps to make their performances more inclusive, as they’ve dedicated the 2:00 p.m. March 4 show as a sensory friendly performance that includes postgraduate students as featured cast. Sensory friendly performances, as described by the Kennedy Center, “… are designed to create a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities.” In order to enact their efforts, the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team has coined a “no-shush show,” which will be welcoming and accepting to the audience’s needs.

Legally Blonde will open Feb. 24 at 7:00 p.m. and return to the stage Feb. 25, also at 7:00 p.m. Feb. 26 the show is slated for at 2:00 p.m. and March 4 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m., all in the HHS Auditorium.

“What You Want” is to come enjoy this familiar story on Hillsborough’s stage; whether you’re a future law student, sorority sister, or are just looking for a good time, this show has something for everyone. Tickets will be available on hill.booktix.com for $13.